Santosh Sivan to make documentary on a farmer

Thiruvananthapuram, July 21 (IANS) Acclaimed filmmaker Santosh Sivan is all set to make a 52-minute documentary film on the life of a 70-year-old farmer in the picturesque Kuttanad area of Alappuzha district. He says the film will show what has been happening in the farming sector over the years.

Speaking to IANS over telephone from his Chennai residence, Sivan said that he is doing it for the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT).

“This will be an unbiased view that follows the life of a farmer and it dwells deep upon all aspects of farming. Since it will be an unbiased view, the good and the bad aspects of farming will be depicted,” said Sivan, who had earlier made a documentary on AIDS awareness called “Prarambha” and it had won him two national awards.

PSBT is a non-government, not for profit trust, that seeks to cultivate discourse, create content and establish systems and practices that facilitate public access to the electronic media.

“I will basically look into what has been happening in this sector over the years besides the pulls and pressures of a farmer. I will also look into the intricacies and challenges that a farmer’s family faces,” said Sivan.

The filming will begin next month and Sivan expects it to finish it at one stretch in four to five weeks.

Kuttanad has been selected as the locale taking into account that it was known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”, and the history of paddy cultivation can be traced back to centuries.

The award winning cameraman will explore the greenery, pristine backwaters and the traditional rice boats now called houseboat.

Sivan is elated as the script is being given the final touches.

“I would like to keep it as a secret on who is going to act as the farmer. I will now speak to important people in the area who are into the vocation of farming, to get more insights,” added Sivan.